Responsibility

Maybe it is very uni-dimensional  of me to assume that all what's wrong with the human race, stems out of one core trait. I went on for so long believing that this core trait is the lack of empathy, which taking the inanimated  constituents of the universe and how us, humans, are fucking it up makes really no appeal for a solution. When you think about it, it is really hard to empathize with a river we are destroying for our own selfish needs for example. This only suggests that this core trait has to be something more basic, and alimentary, something like Responsibility. The degree a person, an animal, heck even an amoeba has defines a whole lot of its character, purpose, feelings, and behaviors.
An amoeba's -very primitive- form of responsibility towards the universe ensues that it should propagate its genetic material ensuring the survival of its species.
A chicken's responsibility towards the universe is to makes sure it propagates, be food for the animals on top of it in the food chain, eats seeds and worms to keep their ecosystems checked, and whatever else chicken do.
My responsibility as a human towards the universe is to make sure rivers are running and I am not destroying life.
My responsibility towards the universe defines whether I stand in line whenever I should to make it easier for people I am sharing this universe with, or not .
My responsibility towards the universe defines whether or not I do whatever that I do, in all possible aspects of life.
In retrospect this seems so natural, and fundamental, but it just hit me in the most unexpected of ways.  And this could really redefine my entire perception of the universe.